[BFC SITE] Joe Gauci joins the Reds

Barnsley Football Club is delighted to announce the loan signing of Joe Gauci until the end of the 24/25 season.

The Australian international arrives at Oakwell from Premier League outfit Aston Villa for the remainder of the current campaign.

Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Gauci moved to New Zealand aged four, where he spent time with Waiheke United and various football camps in the area, developing his foundations of becoming a goalkeeper.

Aged eleven, Gauci returned to Adelaide and joined local outfit Cumberland United, impressing before joining the National Training Centre where he was coached by former Sheffield United and Crystal Palace striker, Carl Veart.

In June 2018, the 'keeper signed a scholarship with Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, before returning to his hometown to join Adelaide City. It was with Adelaide United where Gauci made his A-League debut in March 2021, a 3-1 win against Melbourne Victory.

Over the next few seasons, he established himself as Adelaide’s first-choice goalkeeper, earning praise for his shot-stopping, composure, and leadership.

During his time with Adelaide United, Gauci made over 50 appearances and played a key role in the team's finals campaigns. His performances earned him a Socceroos call-up in 2023, leading to his international debut against Ecuador. In February 2024, his impressive form led to a move to Villa Park.





I'm here to help the Club gain promotion and get back in the Championship. - Joe Gauci (On arriving at Oakwell)

Upon arrival in the Midlands, Gauci was integrated into the squad, serving as a backup to first-choice and World Cup winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. He was on the bench for Villa's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest in February 2024.

Gauci made his competitive debut for Aston Villa in September 2024, in an EFL Cup match against Wycombe Wanderers. Starting the game, he delivered an impressive performance, contributing to Villa's 2-1 victory.

"It's fantastic (to be here), something I'm really excited for," he began in his opening interview. "A brilliant opportunity for myself to come and get some experience in English football and as well be here to help the Club gain promotion and get back in the Championship."

Mladen Sormaz, Sporting Director at Barnsley FC, commented on the addition: "We're happy to recruit a goalkeeper of Joe's quality to the Club. His pedigree speaks for itself, making over 75 appearances in the A-League before catching the attention of a Premier League club chasing the Champions League in Aston Villa. We all wish him the best of luck during his time at Oakwell."

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Definitely ready like he will be our number 1 with him saying he's here to get us promoted and get some experience.

Can't do those two things on the bench.

 

Welcome Joe, hopefully your time here is a success.

 

Welcome and good luck.

Still no idea why our first signing is a keeper, that's surely the least of our worries.

Odd.

 

Perhaps we have approval to field 2 keepers at the same time, that should reduce the goals against column

 

Depends how tall they are....

 

Smith must be back out on loan shortly now then.

 

I'm guessing you forgot about Farrugia's existence..

 

I did.

Fair point, well made.

 

Why wouldn't it be? I get we need players in several positions, but deals get done at different stages. Clearly this one has just been agreed first (after Farrugia).

 

Not exactly making waves.

 

Can he laik up front?

 

I wonder when he packed in with the music theatre.

Edit: Just seen the other thread,,,,,,,,,boy, you have to be quick on here with your smartarsed quips!!!!!

 

Whatsa Matta you hey, gotta no respect

 

Can he play up top ?

 

You b'stard !!!!!
I was going to post something like that but guess what .... some smart arse beat me to it.

 

Looks a bit like Joe Hart.